Dumb question - skinny jeans and sneakers? - YouLookFab Forum

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Dumb question - skinny jeans and sneakers?

Mo

(website)

Veteran

It just occurred to me that I have not worn jeans to work in over 2 years, before my foray into skinnies. They were straight or boot cut, over typical exercise type sneakers (Reebok DMX). My recent golf course jobs were khakis, not jeans, so it wasn't an issue with them. I will be back to work at the pub in a month and have no idea if skinnies can go with sneakers. I get that it's not a fashion 'do' but I have to bartend in decent supportive footwear. Will they pass, or do I need to think professional clogs, or something else entirely?

Dressing

30 replies

Latest reply was from Desmo April

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I think a cute converse-type low or high topped sneaker would be great

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Hmm, need more support than that - they are dead flat inside. Maybe time for a not too high wedge sneaker?

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Yeah...would depend on the sneaker style.

Hey...how about some wedge sneakers?

Diana

Veteran

Personally I would go with boots. Like Docs maybe? I do not particularly like the skinnies + converse look, I always think it makes feet look really long and skinny and weird. But I may have a slight poison eye for that look.

Wedge sneakers would be cool too!

Tina

Veteran

I saw some really nice Ecco brand casual shoes that looked quite sporty. I know what you mean about support, I don't know how people can wear flats for any length of time or distance. Maybe a cross between a sneaker/casual shoe is what you're after. Unless you have a variety of footwear to fit the bill, I would invest in a good pair to go with your skinnies:-)

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I was going to look into taupe wedge sneakers next year anyway. Something like these? Not too high to work in for 8 hours. Not too puffy.

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CocoLion

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Veteran

I got some 3" wedge sneakers 2 years ago with the purpose of wearing them to work in (Tsubos). All I could manage was 4-5 hours in them, not 8. I highly recommend black professional clogs. They have a 1.75" heel, so a little height. I can go 10 hours in these, and they last 7-10 years according to the guy I bought them from. I know I am a broken record about these. I think they look OK with skinnies, especially with a short apron. Do you wear a short waist apron? I stick with dark skinnies for work.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I was hoping you'd chime in Denise! I see that the Guess sneakers have a 1 3/4" heel once you account for the platform. I think I could do that. My other thought would be the clogs. I've never even tried them on, though. I had Joseph Siebels years ago for casual wear that I did wear to work on occasion with no troubles.

EDIT: I wear a short apron on the floor, but not behind the bar. I imagine I'll be bartending most of the time.

Anonymous

As Diana said, what about boots or booties? I will be standing on concrete floors in a shopping mall abandoned store for two weeks, 8+ hours a day soon for an annual Christmas "shop" for the needy. What has always worked the very best is short boots with light weight wool socks and maybe arch support or gel inserts...much more support that althletic shoes.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

The Guess sneakers sound potentially good! I'm going to have to check those out, do you have a link?

I recommend the clogs, still, to change things up. They are slip resistant as well which is great from a safety point of view.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ.....PDKIKX0DER

I have never seen them this cheap anywhere. I wear a 6.5 most commonly, got mine in a 36. They take a little breaking in.

ETA -- clogs look cutest with a longer skinny jean with a bit of scrunch.

Kristin L

Veteran

I think sneakers would go fine with skinny jeans. I think I may play with that tomorrow.

Freckles

Veteran

Good luck Mo, shoes are such a trial to find the right one for the job that suit our feet.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I have worn the following boots at the pub job; my Docs and fake Uggs.

For Denise - the Guess shoes http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....d_i1RiyvZ4

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bj1111

Veteran

i wear skinnies with converse.

i also got these pumas

http://www.shop.puma.com/Imani.....e%3DUS_5_5

they work well with a variety of pants and are super cushioning.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

Yeah, I would do it. You have fab legs, and I think that matters in this case. Just wear a nice, you know, casual interesting sweater or whatever up top.

Irene

Veteran

Yes, just keep them light and slim. No big-old trainers but sleeker ones. I really like high tops. Mine are by Nike and VERY comfortable. They're are something like this but colors and pattern differ http://www.nikeshoes2016.com/i.....te-Kid.jpg

Then you have the typical white Adidas http://sneakernews.com/2008/12.....in-france/ I've seen these work with skinnies on street. It gives an early 90s vibe with the straighter leg but some can pull it off with panache.

I also love the Doc Marteens

kkards

Veteran

i really don't like athletic shoes and skinnies, i think the look is off. but what about a cowboy boot style heel, i have found that to be very comfortable. or a pair of oxford style flats, frye and timberland both make pairs that i find comfortable.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Just to reiterate, this is for a work uniform. For long, busy shifts working in a pub. I have to wear the logo tee, but the bottoms are up to me. I simply realized I have more skinny jeans than when I last worked there. For 20 years, I have worn almost exclusively athletic shoes for work, and my feet have thanked me for it. But I realize while they may be fine under bootcuts, they look fairly ridiculous with skinny jeans. I am looking for other options - but not ones that will result in sad feet just to look good. There is a reason you don't see nurses or waitresses in the latest trend of footwear

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think Denise's idea is a good one. I also really liked the Ecco Mary Janes I wore in the mountains and in China. They had an athletic insole. I *think* they looked okay with skinnies as well as with a skirt. They were not high fashion by any means, but they added a bit of colour and fun. They are a little too "girlish" for my regular style (or for yours) but maybe in a different colour that effect could be minimized. It might make sense to have a few different options.

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shiny

Veteran

I agree with the clog suggestion. Try something fun like patent leather?

Alternatively if you wanted Cons, just size up and add an insert? I actually add inserts to my athletic sneakers, since I don't even find those to be supportive enough. Well, actually I swap out inserts for something firmer.

bj1111

Veteran

any of the sanita clogs will be great with skinnies...see the patent royal blie or thes parkly red.

http://www.zappos.com/sanita-womens-shoes~p

DonnaF

Veteran

What I find very interesting is that some shoes/boots are great for standing but not so great for walking, as well as the reverse: Some great walking shoes are not nearly so comfortable for standing. I think the most frustrating part is that trying a shoe out at home is not a true road test for the comfort needs of a standing or walking job.

I like clogs best for standing. Dansko Pros come in versions for high arches and for wide feet. The current version does not fit me as well as the ones I bought five or more years ago. Sanitas don't give me a fit at all. As with any shoe, YMMV.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Donna, very good point. Add to that, bartending when it's really busy can be a lot of pivoting, like basketball players lol. And the pub has a full flight of stairs to contend with to get to the kitchen.
I wanted to try on the Guess wedges but my local Belk does not carry them. Do I risk ordering online to have to (yet again) pay for return if they don't work?? Blargh.
I somehow don't think the clogs would be much less clunky that the black Reeboks I already have, though I'm sure they are built for the job, and to last. Again, I'd love to try them on in person first.

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

As a former bartender, I highly recommend the Dansko Veda. They look converse-ish but with WAY more support. I think the Danskos look better with skinnies on me than my converse do. I can walk miles in them and I'd put them up for a long shift behind the bar. I also have a pair of purple Pumas that are supportive enough to do a work shift.

http://www.zappos.com/dansko-veda-black-white

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Now those look like a winner!!! Will have to investigate . . . thank you so much!

Would you say they run large or small or tts? I am a 7 to 7.5 and I see they list 38 as 7.5 to 8. I'd hate to go for 37 and have crushed toes.

lynne

Veteran

I'll second or third the Dansko Vedas. I have them and love them. I wore different styles of Danskos for years when I taught.

Jjsloane

Veteran

Wear whatever is comfortable, supportive and doesn't contribute to veins (I owe my spider veiny legs to waitressing) . Most people won't see your feet behind the bar and won't really be looking at them regardless.

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Another vote for Sanitas. They work much better for me than Danskos.

Krista

Veteran

Mo,
I have been having this exact debate with myself regarding skinnies and sneakers and I personally don't feel like skinnies and sneakers work. I think you've gotten some good feedback from everyone on different options but I'm just wondering if you've considered Blundstone's? I've been wearing my skinnies with them and I'm finding them a good fit for the look I'm going for. I'm not sure if you have a pair or not - they're super comfortable and practically indestructible. They're an Australian company so the Australian YLF-ers may be able to chime with more info than me, but they're super popular here in Canada. They can look like gear but they're also quite versatile. I've attached a few pics that I've found of women wearing them, as well as the style of boot that I have - maybe a consideration? Definitely not cheap, but worth the investment.
Hope you find something that works!

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